On July 19, 2023, the Capital Area Agricultural & Horticultural Program (CAAHP) Team hosted a self-drive Soil Health Tour & BBQ. Farms in northern Rensselaer and southern Washington Counties were the focus of the event. Livestock, dairy, cut flower, vegetable and Christmas tree farms were available for people to visit and see how local farmers are working to improve their soil health. Read here for info on farms visited. The Soil Health Farm Tour and BBQ was sponsored by the New York Soil Health Initiative and Cornell Small Farms Farm Ops. Descriptions of the farms visited are here.
Ottercreek Farm Visit
by CAAHP Commercial Livestock Educator, Rachel Moody
Otter Creek Farm was the only livestock farm on the Soil Health Farm Tour. A group of participants gathered there during the CAAHP Soil Health Farm Tour on July 19, 2023, to ask questions about grazing practices, soil practices, and marketing their livestock.
We took a tour of the pastured pigs where Elizabeth explained her modified North Carolina rotational pasture pattern. She also explained how they utilize the field for different animals and mentioned how they let the fields rest from pigs for several years after they go on it. Pigs graze, but they also root the soil up and leave big holes that need some tillage to smooth it out.
Michael Glos, Cornell School of Integrative Plant Science Soil and Crop Sciences Section, tested the soil with a penetrometer and commented on its high level of soil health.
Later, participants headed over to observe the pastured chickens. Questions were asked about the operation, including some regarding cover crop use in certain fields, including the use of radishes. We also had a great view of the Otter Creek Farm herd of cattle grazing on the hillside.
The Rensselaer County no-till drill was located at Otter Creek Farm. Conversations were sparked by the use of this equipment. Overall, it was a good day with specific questions and good discussion.
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